It
is true, we cannot call it a vacation or family vacation
if you're the parent, it isn't going to be one for you.
Well in fact you're likely to work harder than you would
at home, then call it "The Children's Vacation." Unwined,
relax and be like a King and Queen with your Prince and
Princesses in our hotel/resorts in the Philippines. Let
our friendly people with trademark hospitality serve you
and do all your household chores for the time being.

I
agree with Susan Dunn, MA, who is the Emotional Intelligence
Coach & Consultant, and author of "How to Develop Your Child's
EQ". Coaching, business programs, Internet courses, teleclasses
and ebooks around emotional intelligence. She wrote about
"Family Vacations and Expectations"
and i quote:

"It's that time of year again: Time for the family
vacation. It's a good time to rethink some things like perfectionism,
expectations, and the meaning of the word "vacation." First
of all, we call it a "vacation," but if you're the parent,
it isn't going to be one for you. In fact you're likely
to work harder than you would at home, so why not call it
"The Children's Vacation."

Children don't need a vacation for rest and relaxation;
in fact they're likely to rev up for vacations. If you're
looking for rest and relaxation, plan your own vacation
for another time. Here are some things to keep in mind as
you plan and take the family vacation that can keep you
from unrealistic expectations which will erode your experience:

1. Because kids accelerate with new experiences
and fun times, plan to GO rested; don't plan on COMING HOME
rested.

2. Consider options for help with the kids.
Many resorts and cruise lines offer supervised programs
for children where they can meet new friends. Or take along
a mother's helper, older niece or nephew, or grandmother.
It's more fun for all.

3. Plan ahead for the unpredictable. Use
your Emotional Intelligence to relax, being flexible and
creative, rather than tightening up and getting rigid. Testing
the limits in each new circumstance is normal. You can handle
it as long as you aren't surprised by it.

4. Prepare for the predictable – high spirits,
boredom, and fights with siblings. Deal with them the same
way you do at home. Don't blame each other for the misbehavior
of the kids. Just cope with it.

5. If you intend to have a great time together,
don't let anything get in your way. There's no reason why
a visit to the ER should "ruin your vacation," any more
than a few tantrums, some embarrassing table behavior, a
flat tire, or missed plane connections should. Your experience
of your vacation is in your own hands.

6. Allow times and places for children
to work off their energy. Plan breaks during long car trips.
Take them for a run on the beach before you go to the art
museum, or turn them loose in the courtyard after the hotel
dinner with Great Aunt Betty.

7. Keep to a strict schedule regarding
naps, bedtimes and meals to improve their behavior. No matter
how much fun they're having, children don't do well when
too tired or too hungry.

8. Discuss expectations beforehand. Explain
what you can, and what sort of behavior you expect in different
circumstances. You can't cover everything, but you can cover
a lot.

9. Be alert to their safety. Provide safety
equipment – harness, car seat, life jacket. Bring along
a first-aid kit. Because a vacation provides new situations,
accidents are more likely to occur.

Last but not least, process after each vacation. Talk about
what worked and what didn't. And don't forget the most important
thing: Find out what everyone enjoyed the most. Be sure
and go over the good times with the family, and make plans
for more in the future, taking into consideration what you've
learned." End of quote.